ECOLOGICAL CONFLICTS AND COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN THE AREA OF USING AND PROTECTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The scarcity of resources and services provided by the natural environment combined with the unlimited social expectations for the consumption of goods is the reason for ecological conflicts. They mean the emergence of antagonistic relations as a result of the occurrence of a real or a potential conflict of interests and priorities related to using and protecting the  natural environment. Implementing the concept of sustainable development means the introduction of principles, standards and restrictions in the economic use of the natural environment. Therefore it forms part of the causes of conflicts in the use of environmental resources, arising from the contradictory expectations and interests of various firms, social groups, residents of countries or regions of the world. Such actual or potential conflicts may cause the cooperation which takes the form of collective action in the relationships "man - environment - economy". The goal of interest groups is to achieve the common good:  favorable regulations and the formation of desired preferences, attitudes and social behavior relating to the protection and the use of the natural environment.